Urban Life Ride

Martina Rabensteiner is a historian and professional tour guide who offers a fresh take on city exploration: from the saddle of a bike. Her Urban Life Rides are a journey through Brixen's past and present, while giving participants the chance to test the latest models from e-bike brand HEPHA.

Once a week from April to June, and again in September and October, you can join Martina for this pretty unique tour. The route begins in the historic town center, follows the Eisack river, and winds through lush vineyards toward Neustift Monastery – before looping back via Brixen’s industrial zone, a quarter with its own surprising architecture and stories to tell.

The ride covers approx. 17 kilometres and takes about two and a half hours. And you don’t have to bring your own bike as the bike shop Nardello provides helmet and HEPHA eBike, all included in the price (please specify when booking). Munich based brand HEPHA picked up numerous awards with its e-bikes in 2025 including the iF Design Award and the Eurobike Gold Award. They will also be present at the upcoming bike festa.

We asked Martina what makes exploring Brixen by e-bike so special:

Martina, how would you describe your Urban Life Rides?

One word: special! On a bike, we have so much more freedom to explore the many layers of the city – its historical heritage, its contemporary architecture, the everyday lives of the people who call Brixen home. We cover more ground, and the perspective shifts constantly. You see the city from angles you'd never otherwise get, and slowly the bigger picture comes into focus.

Is the atmosphere different from a traditional walking tour?

To be honest, it was a new experience for me too, and I didn't expect the difference to be so profound. The bike creates a fascinating rhythm: at the stops, I share the history, and while we ride, people have space to let things sink in. They love being on the bike, just cruising along in a relaxed way. And the group dynamic is unique, too – it's convivial. Plus, the bike itself becomes a conversation starter. A sense of togetherness emerges quickly. It becomes a shared experience in the truest sense.

Brixen has such a dense history. How do you bridge the gap between medieval alleys and modern topics?

Brixen is a prime example of old and new in dialogue. Here, modern architecture references history – it keeps the past alive. For instance, the sweeping Baroque curves of the Hofburg and its play of light and shadow are echoed and reimagined in contemporary buildings.

The Public Library is a great example of this interconnection. It’s essentially made of three buildings: you enter through a new structure, but once you enter the courtyard, you immediately sense how much care was taken to harmonize the elements. Then, as you leave through the other side, you’re looking at an ancient, historic facade.

What are your other personal historical highlights on the tour?

The cathedral and the cloisters, of course. And then the ride out to Neustift Monastery, which is only made so effortless because we’re on bikes. You find a blend of entirely different worlds there. Then, in the industrial zone, we encounter yet another side of Brixen. That’s what the tour is about: What is it like to live here? Where do people work, live, and play? The facets are so diverse, but by the end, a complete picture emerges – one that shows just how special, unique, and multifaceted Brixen really is.

The Urban Life Ride is suitable for everyone. The terrain is not demanding, and even e-bike beginners will find the bikes intuitive and easy to handle.